'Incredible' gesture for crews tackling moor blaze

Fire crews tackling a moorland fire have been inundated with drinks, food and treats collected by a cricket club where two of its members are firefighters.

Micklehurst Cricket Club, in Mossley, Greater Manchester, has become a mini-depot where donations of food and drinks have been collected for firefighters who have been tackling the blaze near Dove Stone reservoir, since Saturday.

"It's not just the club, it is the local community that has rallied," said Matt Barton, who has been one of those making deliveries to the fire crews three miles away.

He added: "The response has been incredible - people have been so generous."

Bottled water, sandwiches and cakes have been taken to crews battling the fires so large the fumes can be smelt across Greater Manchester.

Barton said in addition to donated sandwiches, "We have had some people making bacon and sausage butties here".

He added: "The firefighters have been so grateful."

The aid effort began with a social media shout-out by the club on its Facebook page on Sunday evening.

It said: "We're sad to say two of our MCC players Jono and Tom have been called up along with 28 other keepers to try tackle the two moorland fires currently ongoing at Dovestones and Glossop!

"As we've seen today, these fires are having a massive impact on our community and we think we all wish there was more we could do to help!

"So we're asking for any donations for us to deliver to the lads who won't be returning home for days till order is restored: Water/drinks; Electrolytes Energy gels.

"Anything you think will keep them fuelled and hydrated whilst they tackle these fires would be greatly appreciated!

"The club will be open all morning for anyone to drop things off or if things require collecting we can arrange this."

It added the next day: "Absolutely blown away by everyone's generosity what an incredible community and what an incredible club."

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